|
 Technology today is changing our everyday lives. Many people, however,
aren’t aware that technology also is impacting dentistry in new and
exciting ways. Cutting-edge innovations in dental instruments are requiring
less time in the dental chair, causing less discomfort and creating satisfying
results. One breakthrough instrument, called CEREC 3D, allows dentists to
quickly restore damaged teeth with natural-colored ceramic fillings, saving
patients time and inconvenience.
What is
CEREC 3D?
CEREC 3D is an acronym for Chairside Economical
Restoration of Esthetic Ceramics. Translated, it means
that a dentist can economically restore damaged teeth in a single appointment
using a high-quality ceramic material that matches the natural color of other
teeth.
How does the
instrument work?
CEREC 3D uses CAD/CAM (Computer Aided Design/Computer
Aided Manufacturing) technology, incorporating a camera, computer and milling
machine in one instrument. The dentist uses a special camera to take an
accurate picture of the damaged tooth. This optical impression is transferred
and displayed on a color computer screen, where the dentist uses CAD technology
to design the restoration. Then CAM takes over and automatically creates the
restoration while the patient waits. Finally, the dentist bonds the new
restoration to the surface of the old tooth. The whole process takes about one
hour.
| Before |
|
 |
|
|
|
 |
|
Before |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| After |
|
 |
|
|
|
 |
|
After |
What does
this innovation mean for a patient?
A tooth-colored restoration means
no more silver fillings discoloring smiles. The filling is natural-looking,
compatible with tissue in the mouth, anti-abrasive and plaqueresistant.
Dentists no longer need to create temporaries or take impressions and send them
to a lab. Because of this, the traditional second visit has been
eliminated.
| What Kinds of Procedures Can It Perform? |
| |
· |
Partial and full crowns |
| |
· |
All other single-tooth restorations |
| What Are the Advantages CEREC 3D Offers? |
| |
· |
The dentist performs the restoration in a single
session, usually in less than one hour |
| |
· |
No need for the dentist to make an impression and send
it to a lab |
| |
· |
No return visits for the patient |
| |
· |
The restoration is natural looking, as it is made out
of tooth-colored ceramic material |
| |
· |
Ceramic material is biocompatible, high-grade,
anti-abrasive and plaque-resistant |
| |
· |
Metal-free -- no silver-colored fillings |
| |
· |
Allows dentist to save more of the healthy
tooth |
| |
· |
Extremely precise |
CEREC 3D has
over a decade of clinical research and documentation to support the technology.
The restorations have been proven precise, safe and effective.
|